He continues: "Our relationship with PayPoint has spanned almost all of allpay's 15 year history and we are delighted to maintain a consistent, reliable service to offer clients who handle rent and council tax payments. Payments through the PayPoint network represent a significant element of our 44 million annual transactions, which have a value of some £3.6 billion."

PayPoint managing director, Seamus Smith, acknowledges the significance of the deal and comments: "With more than 99% of urban households in the UK located within a mile of a PayPoint outlet and two-thirds of our customers living within quarter of a mile of a PayPoint, those who prefer to use cash to manage their budgets are assured of a truly convenient, easily accessible and trusted outlet where they can pay their council tax, rent and other essential household bills. allpay's reputation for excellent service within the public sector made our decision to continue our relationship an easy one, and we look forward to maintaining our partnership's success."